Share via

Angela Merkel claimed yesterday that there would be “no drama” if the rest of Europe outvoted Britain and installed Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission.

Hours later the German chancellor called David Cameron and vowed to help Britain in its forthcoming renegotiation, amid signs that the two leaders are implacably opposed over who should hold the Brussels top job.

The prime minister will face the biggest test of his premiership on European affairs over the next two days as he meets fellow EU leaders for a showdown over the European Commission.